Diocesan News
Latest News from the Diocese of Wheeling - Charleston. Click on the title to read full story.

  • Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Offers New Formation Program for the Permanent Diaconate
    WHEELING, W.Va.—The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston is starting a new formation program for the permanent diaconate for married and single Catholic men who wish to serve the church. “In opening a new formation program for the permanent diaconate, Bishop Bransfield is issuing a call to service in our diocese,” said Very Rev. Anthony Cincinnati, S.T.D., V.E. “It is my hope that many men will generously respond to his call and assist us in building up the Lord’s kingdom by their willing service of charity and prayer.” The program is open to Catholic men age 35 to 57, who are practicing their faith and duly registered in a parish. Permanent deacons serve in the diocese in numerous ways—serving at parishes, providing outreach to the poor, ministering to individuals in prison, working with young people, visiting the sick and assisting priests in parishes and through many other ministries.

  • Catholic Charities West Virginia Prepares to Celebrate National Catholic Charities Sunday
    WHEELING, W.Va.—Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa), a member of Catholic Charities USA—the 100-year-old social service network working to reduce poverty in America—will celebrate National Catholic Charities Sunday Sept. 26. Catholic Charities Sunday is a national recognition event, designated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, honoring the Catholic Charities network for its century of commitment and service to millions of people each year. Many parishes throughout the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston will participate in the national event, whose goal is to share the story of the Catholic Charities movement and call others to work for justice and help reduce poverty in America. Peggy Arizzi, executive director of CCWVa, said, “Catholic Charities Sunday is an opportunity to increase awareness and celebrate our efforts.” In 2011, CCWVa will celebrate its 80th anniversary. CCWVa, founded in 1931 by the Diocese of Wheeling, provides a variety of social services to West Virginians, regardless of their religious, social or economic backgrounds. “It has become one of the largest social service providers in the state, serving tens of thousands through outreach programs which employ best practices in the care of our poor and most vulnerable,” said Patti Tiu, director of Development for CCWVa. As the social service arm of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, CCWVa is comprised of seven regions led by local advisory boards, regional directors, staff and volunteers. It is chartered to sustain and launch programs that meet the needs of each unique community. Programs, administered by professional staff, are supported by generous donors and volunteers. CCWVa advances the common good with its core values of dignity, justice, compassion, hope, charity, and quality in delivering its services, and in its partnerships with other community organizations. During Masses on Catholic Charities Sunday, parishioners will be invited in prayers and homilies to reflect on the commitment their ancestors made in 1910 and 1931, an era of great change, and consider personal opportunities to support efforts that reduce poverty, promote human dignity, support families and empower communities. Catholic Charities USA was founded in 1910 to bring about a sense of solidarity among those in charitable ministries. Since 1910, Catholic Charities USA has encouraged professional social work practice, provided opportunities for training and networking, and served as a national voice and expert on poverty issues. The centennial is a time to reflect on past accomplishments and renew the commitment to serve those in need. CCWVa has been a member of Catholic Charities USA since 1931, for more information about Catholic Charities West Virginia, visit www.ccwva.org. For more information about Catholic Charities USA’s centennial activities, visit http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/centennial

  • Abuse Charges Against Glenmary Priest Dismissed
    CINCINNATI—After two days of hearings, all charges of sexual abuse made against Glenmary Father Bob Poandl were dismissed with prejudice by Roane County (West Virginia) Circuit Judge David W. Nibert late on Friday, August 27, 2010. Dismissal with prejudice means that Father Poandl cannot be prosecuted on the same charges in the future. He was accused of sexually abusing a minor in the early 1990s in West Virginia, and his trial was scheduled to begin on Monday, Aug. 30, in Spencer, W.Va. The judge's findings of fact were that the accuser was not credible and that he manipulated and falsified evidence and hid evidence from discovery, said Dennis Curry, one of the two lawyers who defended Father Poandl. The statement that he is not credible, Curry explained, means the accuser, according to the judge, is not to be believed as a matter of fact and law. Although the judge has given the Roane County prosecutor 90 days to appeal the case to the West Virginia Supreme Court, Curry said he believes the chances of that happening are very slim. The prosecutor would have to prove the Court exceeded its discretion in making the findings a fact, he said. We are grateful that a decision has been reached, Father Dan Dorsey, president of Glenmary, said of the ruling. Father Poandl has never had an allegation of any kind made against him in his over 40 years of missionary priesthood. He has maintained his innocence since the accusation was made. From the outset, I and the entire Glenmary community have prayed for a just resolution. After reading Judge Nibert's decision to dismiss, I believe a just resolution has been rendered.

  • Diocesan Official Appointments
    Bishop Michael J. Bransfield has made public the following appointments: Father Timothy J. Grassi is reappointed as chaplain to Council No. 2010 of the Knights of Columbus for the Fraternal Year 2010-2011, effective immediately. This appointment is in addition to his current assignment as pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Thomas and Our Lady of Mercy Mission in Parsons. Father Carlos Melocoton, Jr., is reappointed chaplain to the St. Michael the Archangel Council No. 12630 of the Knights of Columbus for the Fraternal Year 2010-2011, effective immediately. This appointment is in addition to his current assignment as associate rector of the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Charleston. Father Robert Perriello is appointed to the Diocesan School Board for a term of one year, effective immediately. This appointment is in addition to his current assignment as pastor of St. Peter the Fisherman Parish in Fairmont. Father Richard J. Ulam, O.S.B., is appointed state chaplain for the West Virginia State Council of the Knights of Columbus for the Fraternal Year 2010-2011, effective immediately. This appointment is in addition to his current assignment as pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Fairmont. After consultation with Very Rev. W. David Nestler, O.F.M. Cap., provincial minister of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, Province of St. Augustine, Brother Justino Sanchez, O.F.M. Cap., is assigned to the Hermitage community of St. Joseph Leonissa Friary in Wheeling, effective Sept. 1. Mr. Brann Altmeyer is reappointed to the Diocesan School Board for a term of one year, effective immediately. Mr. Richard Muth is reappointed to the Diocesan School Board for a term of one year, effective immediately.

  • Catholic Charities West Virginia Prepares to Celebrate National Catholic Charities Sunday
    Wheeling, West Virginia – August 30, 2010-Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa) a member of Catholic Charities USA, the 100-year-old social service network working to reduce poverty in America, will celebrate National Catholic Charities Sunday, September 26, 2010. Catholic Charities Sunday is a national recognition event, designated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, honoring the Catholic Charities network for its century of commitment and service to millions of people each year. Many parishes throughout the diocese of Wheeling Charleston will participate in the national event, whose goal is to share the story of the Catholic Charities movement and call others to work for justice and help reduce poverty in America. According to Peggy Arizzi, Executive Director of Catholic Charities West Virginia, “Catholic Charities Sunday is an opportunity to increase awareness and celebrate our efforts.” In the year of 2011, Catholic Charities West Virginia will celebrate its 80th Anniversary. Catholic Charities West Virginia, founded in 1931 by the Diocese of Wheeling, provides a variety of social services to West Virginians, regardless of their religious, social or economic backgrounds. It has become one of the largest social service providers in the state, serving tens of thousands through outreach programs which employ best practices in the care of our poor and most vulnerable. As the social service arm of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, Catholic Charities West Virginia is comprised of seven regions led by local Advisory Boards, Regional Directors, staff and volunteers. It is chartered to sustain and launch programs that meet the needs of each unique community. Programs, administered by professional staff, are supported by generous donors and volunteers. Catholic Charities West Virginia advances the common good with its core values of dignity, justice, compassion, hope, charity, and quality in delivering its services, and in its partnerships with other community organizations. During Sunday Masses, parishioners will be invited in prayers and homilies to reflect on the commitment their ancestors made in 1910 and 1931, an era of great change, and consider personal opportunities to support efforts that reduce poverty, promote human dignity, support families and empower communities. Catholic Charities USA was founded in 1910 to bring about a sense of solidarity among those in charitable ministries. Since 1910, Catholic Charities USA has encouraged professional social work practice, provided opportunities for training and networking, and served as a national voice and expert on poverty issues. The Centennial is a time to reflect on past accomplishments and renew the commitment to serve those in need. Catholic Charities West Virginia has been a member of Catholic Charities USA since 1931, for more information about Catholic Charities West Virginia, visit www.ccwva.org. (http://www.ccwva.org.) For more information about Catholic Charities USA’s Centennial activities, visit http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/centennial (http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/centennial )

  • Nearly 50 Local Religious Artifacts Added to History Center’s Upcoming Vatican Splendors Exhibition
    Parish Advantage Program Provides Local Religious Groups History Center Members Advance Ticket Purchase Privilege and Discount Click Here to Read the Whole Press Release

  • Cardinal George Announces Vatican Approval of New Roman Missal English-Language Translation
    Implementation Set for First Sunday of Advent 2011 U.S. Adaptations to Mass Prayers Also Approved Parish Education Efforts Urged To Precede Implementation Resources Available Through USCCB WASHINGTON—Cardinal Francis George, OMI, Archbishop of Chicago and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has announced that the full text of the English-language translation of the Roman Missal, Third Edition, has been issued for the dioceses of the United States of America. The text was approved by the Vatican, and the approval was accompanied by a June 23 letter from Cardinal Llovera Antonio Cañizares, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. The Congregation also provided guidelines for publication. In addition, on July 24, the Vatican gave approval for several adaptations, including additional prayers for the Penitential Act at Mass and the Renewal of Baptismal Promises on Easter Sunday. Also approved are texts of prayers for feasts specific to the United States such as Thanksgiving, Independence Day and the observances of feasts for saints such as Damien of Molokai, Katharine Drexel, and Elizabeth Ann Seton. The Vatican also approved the Mass for Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life, which can be celebrated on January 22.

  • Bishop Gathers with Seminarians in Wheeling
    Colleen Rowan Photo Bishop Michael J. Bransfield gathered with seminarians of the diocese in Wheeling for the annual Bishop’s Weekend with Seminarians July 31-Aug. 1. Pictured following evening prayer at the Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta Chapel on the fourth floor of Central Catholic High School in Wheeling July 30 are, from left, Daniel Price, Andrew Switzer, Thomas Gallagher, Bishop Bransfield, Rev. Mr. José Manuel Escalante, Ryan Stichweh, Adam Brown, John Paul Nardelli and Father Paul Hudock, director of the diocesan Office of Vocations. Not pictured is seminarian Justin Blanc, who is studying in Rome.

  • Diocesan Pilgrimage Bus Schedule
    Bishop Bransfield invites the faithful of the Diocese to gather in prayer for peace and reconciliation in the world. Sept. 11, 2010 Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Buses available to the pilgrimage: Northern Panhandle, contact the Chancellor’s Office at (304) 233-0880, ext. 261, or by sending e-mail to kstillion@dwc.org Charleston area, call Father Carlos Melocoton, Jr. at (304) 342-8175 Beckley and Lewisburg areas, contact Father Joshua Stevens at (304) 253-3695 or Father Chapin Engler at (304) 536-1813 or by e-mail to fatherchapin@yahoo.com Parkersburg, Clarksburg and Morgantown areas, call Anita Betrella at (304) 481-3222 Bridgeport area, call Stephen Pishner at (304) 669-5169 Eastern Panhandle, call St. Leo Parish at (304) 229-8945 The pilgrimage will begin at 10 a.m. with arrival of participants and will feature a carillon concert at 10:30 a.m., a morning presentation at 11 a.m., guided tours of the Shrine at 11:30 a.m., the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at 11:30 a.m., lunch and free time at noon, the diocesan choir prelude at 1:30 p.m., recitation of the Rosary at 2 p.m. and Mass celebrated by Bishop Bransfield at 2:30 p.m. For more information about the pilgrimage, contact Father Brian Shoda at (304) 229-8945 or by e-mail to FrBrian@stleo.com; or Father Chapin Engler, associate director of the pilgrimage, at (304) 536-1813 or by e-mail to fatherchapin@yahoo.com.

  • Diocesan Official Appointment
    Bishop Michael J. Bransfield has made public the following appointment: Father Leo Lydon is appointed chaplain of the Serra Club of Clarksburg for the years 2010-2011, effective immediately.